Home  /  Insights  /  Property Legal, Risk & Compliance
Property Legal, Risk & Compliance  

Is Subletting Illegal? The Rules for Tenants

Usually you need your landlord's written consent.

Is Subletting Illegal? The Rules for Tenants Property Legal, Risk & Compliance

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Renting · Subletting

Subletting rules

Consentneeded
Short lets90-night rule
Socialhousing offence
Possessionrisk
In short: Subletting all or part of a private rental usually requires the landlord's written consent, and most tenancy agreements prohibit it without permission; doing so can be a breach leading to possession. Short-letting on Airbnb also needs consent and, in London, planning permission beyond 90 nights a year. Unlawfully subletting a council or housing association home is a criminal offence. Landlords suspecting unauthorised subletting should gather evidence and get advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent out a room?

Only with your landlord's consent, unless your agreement allows it.

Is subletting council housing illegal?

Yes, without permission.

Looking for a home?

Talk to our team or get a free valuation.

Speak to our teamGet a free valuation

Related guides

Next step

You are one message away from an answer.

If you have a question

Send it to us and get a straight answer.

Describe the property and the problem. We will tell you what we would do, what it should cost, and if we are not the right people, who is.

  • Replies the same working day
  • The person who answers is the person who handles it
  • No fee, and no obligation to instruct us
If you are looking for a property

See everything we are instructed on.

Sales and lettings across Prime Central London and the wider UK, with the same team behind every listing.

  • Residential and commercial in one search
  • Filter by borough, budget and size
  • Register once and we will send matches first